George Abbee Wilson

Our loving "Georgie" left this life to return to his Heavenly Father July 7, 2002 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 10, 1926 to Francis Georgina Jacobsen and Joseph R. Wilson. George grew up in Salt Lake and attended Granite High School. He served his country in the navy as a radar specialist on the USS Antietam in World War II, with life-long friend Al Sachs. After the war he became a pilot and took Bev on many hair-raising flights over the valley. George married Beverly Ella Clapham on August 29, 1950. Their marriage was made "eternal" in the Salt Lake Temple on March 15, 1982.  In 1964 George had had enough of cold winters and under the influence of his Aunt Hanna, moved his wife and three beautiful children to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they lived for nine years. They made many cherished friends and still enjoy their associations with them. Due to parents fading health, George and Bev moved back to Salt Lake in 1973, built a lovely home in Willow Creek, but kept a condo in Arizona to spend the winters. George couldn't wait to see the first snow fall and travel south. He always said he had the best of both worlds.  George was a building contractor by trade and quality was his mark. He was a steeple jack, working with brother Fairbanks. He also worked with his brother Gardner on many building projects. He and son Cory had a very special father-and-son relationship, working side by side, building homes in Salt Lake and Jeremy Ranch. George was an avid golfer and he and Cory were the team to beat on the golf course and won many tournaments in Salt Lake and Arizona. George looked forward to Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Meadowbrook Golf Course with his buddies.  He loved his girls, Linda and Pam and enjoyed helping them maintain their homes and businesses and was proud of their many accomplishments.  Grandpa "Georgie" looked forward to time spent with his cherished "Jaime and Chris," his pal Clint, and Candice, whom he always called "beautiful." Angela and her darling girls, Arianna and Alyssa were very special to him as was Ian.  George was a High Priest in the LDS Church and loved serving in the Carefree Branch and later in the Ft. McDowell Branch in Arizona, where they grew to love the Lamanites and made many special friends there.  George was a selfless example of what it means to be a great friend, neighbor, and teacher to his family, always generous and will be remembered for his integrity, sense of humor and great love for the Lord and our Heavenly Father.  Preceded in death by his mother and father, son George Terrance, grandson Christopher Cory Wilson, two brothers Clarence M. Wilson and  Joseph F. Wilson (G.I. Joe) and sister Helen Wilson. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, two daughters Linda Fullmer, Pamella (Eric) Bloland; one son Charles Cory (Cheryl) Wilson; sister Cornelia (Verle) Brown, WA; brothers Fairbanks C. Wilson, Gardner S. Wilson, AZ; Henry Robert (Mary) Wilson, CA; five beloved grandchildren Jaime Wilson, Clinton Charles Wilson, Candice Catherine Wilson, Angela (Manny) Armendariz, Ian Grabau; two great-grandchildren Arianna and Alyssa Armendariz; and many much-loved nieces and nephews. George, we love you, and we will live on our many memories until we meet again. Our family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who lovingly cared for George at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University Hospital. Funeral services will be held Friday July 12, 2002 at 12:00 p.m. at the Willow Creek 7th Ward, 2215 East Creek Road. Viewing will be Thursday July 11th at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, from 6-8 p.m. and 10:45-11:45 prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made n George Wilson's name to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5550.